The Parc du Marquenterre is located deep within the Baie de Somme nature reserve. It stretches over more than 250 hectares, offering shelter to over 300 species of migratory birds, which stop for several days during their journey. This exceptional site is designed to welcome visitors while protecting the birds' safety and habits. It offers a peaceful way to watch them and learn about the way they live during your stay on the Opal Coast.
The sanctuary has three walking paths dotted with observation posts, so you can go at your own pace as you admire the site's bird population. Spring is nesting season, and the time of year when the sanctuary hosts the most species, but it is open year-round and there are always intriguing species to watch, including gulls, cormorants, and greylag geese.
It also runs a range of activities to introduce visitors to nature in new ways. These original activities, which take full advantage of the sanctuary’s unique setting, include guided birdsong walks, early morning tours before it officially opens, and open-air classes on drawing animals in their natural setting. Sessions are available for all ages.
The spring tides also offer a stunning show, starring the sea. During these tides, which occur just a few times each year, visitors flock to admire the wild, unspoiled beauty of the Baie de Somme and the Parc du Marquenterre.
The Pol Hotel is less than a 50 minute drive from the Parc du Marquenterre, so you can take a day trip to the bird sanctuary before heading back to town for a cosy evening talking over the day's discoveries on the sofa.
Boulogne sur Mer, often dubbed the capital of the Opal Coast, boasts a rich historic and natural heritage. This fortified city has an impressive cultural scene and is France's top fishing port.
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The historic town of Montreuil is one of the region's main tourist attractions. Its historic fortifications and walls create a charmed atmosphere which draws endless streams of visitors. This picturesque, welcoming village also offers a range of sporting and cultural events.
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The Baie de Somme nature reserve, located in the Nord Pas-de-Calais region, spreads over 70 km2, including both the coast itself and inland areas. It is ranked as one of the most beautiful bays in the world. It is home to unique landscapes and tremendous biodiversity.
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The Opal Coast, Côte d’Opale in French, runs along the English Channel and the North Sea. It takes its name from the setting sun's reflection in the water. This wild, unspoiled coast is home to dunes, wetlands and cliffs, as well as vast sandy beaches that beckon visitors to relax.
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